Sleep Disorders: Exploring What Disrupts Our Sleep and How to Fix It

A good sleep is an important aspect that contributes to the good health and wellness of an individual. Nevertheless, a considerable number of people tend to suffer from sleep disorders, which hamper daily activities without any doubt. Quality sleep deprivation does not only lead to fatigue. It can also affect a person’s physical and psychological well-being as well as thinking and ability to perform day-to-day activities. These sleep disorders include simple insomnia, which can be occasional, and, in more serious cases, sleeping illnesses like sleep apnea or narcolepsy. In this blog, the various sleep disorders are outlined, their signs and manifestations are described, and the impact they have in our everyday lives is explained.

What is a Sleep Disorder?

Sleep disorders are those that interfere with the body’s ability to have the required amount of rest and to keep awake. More than 80 sleep disorders impact quality, timing, and quantity of sleep and wakefulness. A sleep disorder may be diagnosed when individuals are disturbed with regular sleep, feel extremely sleepy even after sleeping over seven hours the previous night, or find it challenging to perform daily tasks.

Several accompanying problems are associated with sleep difficulties, including physical and emotional issues. Sleep problems contribute to mental health conditions and vice versa. Apart from this, there are some other mental health conditions that also manifest the sleeping problems. These sleeping problems often disappear after treatment has been received for the underlying condition.

It is, therefore, essential to be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible in case one is suspected to be suffering from a sleeping disorder. The adverse effects of sleep disorders worsen if they are left untreated and result in further health complications.

Types of Sleep Disorders

The International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD) has modernized the classification criteria of sleep disorders following symptoms, pathophysiology, and body system. The categories listed in the new edition of the third edition, ICSD-3R, include:

• Insomnia
• Sleep-related breathing disorders.
• Central disorders of hypersomnolence, also called excessive sleep disorders
• Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders
• Parasomnias
• Sleep-related movement disorders

Note: The ICSD also updates periodically so as to reflect the new sleep disorders as well as their classification.

It is to be noted that there are over 80 different types of sleep disorders, and among the most common are the following:

• Chronic insomnia: the inability to sleep or to stay asleep most nights for at least three months, which is associated with considerable distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning and interferes with sleep.
• Obstructive sleep apnea: snoring along with occasional lapses in breathing while asleep, which disrupt the sleep.
• Restless legs syndrome: irresistible urge to move legs when resting.
• Narcolepsy: a problem with sleep regulation characterized by sudden attacks of sleepiness or drowsiness.
• Shift work sleep disorder : one finds it hard to sleep and wake, and they feel drowsiness when they should not.
• Delayed sleep phase syndrome: going to bed at least two hours later than the individual feels they should; they also have difficulty waking up and getting to school or work on time.
• REM sleep behavior disorder : inability to act out the dreams during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep.

Sleep Disorders Symptoms

Sleep disorders’ symptoms vary depending on the disorder and may be a result of another condition; however, general symptoms include:

• Inability to sleep or taking more than 30 minutes
• Can’t keep asleep for most of the night
• Wakes up often and cannot go to bed to sleep again
• Snoring, gasping, and choking times during sleep
• Need to move during rest time
• Abnormalities in breathing cycles
• Abnormalities or unwanted sensations while sleeping
• Unusual motions during sleep
• Lack of concentration
• Depressive mood associated with increased body weight
• Cannot move when waking up and more

Daytime symptoms include:

• Too many daytime naps or sleepiness in regular tasks
• Behavioral changes such as inability to concentrate or loss of attention
• Mood changes such as irritation and inability to control
• Difficulty in meeting deadlines or performance targets
• Frequent accidents, falling and more

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Causes of Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are diverse and can be classified into behavior issues, circadian rhythm dysfunctions, inhalation conditions, inability to initiate sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness. Causes and consequences are based on factors such as inhalation, inability to initiate sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness. However, there are several risk factors that may make a person have a sleep disorder. As such, sleeping disorder reasons include

Age and genetics:

• Age can be a contributing factor to sleep disorders because certain ones occur more in children and others with advancing years. Older adults typically sleep less and also experience less deep sleep as they grow older. In addition, they wake up easily.
• Genetic factors can predispose one to sleep disorders like insomnia, restless legs syndrome, sleepwalking, and sleep apnea.

Medical conditions:

• Medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury increase the risk of developing sleep disorders.
• Heart disease, lung disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic pain can increase the risk of insomnia.
• Obesity and heart failure can increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Mental health conditions:

• Stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can influence sleep.
• Nightmares, sleep talking, or sleepwalking can disrupt sleep.

Schedule changes:

• Jet lag or shift work can be responsible for interfering with sleep.

Medicines and drugs:

• Certain medications, caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs can affect sleep.

Asthma, allergies, and other breathing :

• Allergies, colds, and upper respiratory tract infections can also deliver a hard time making breath at night. Sleeping can also be impossible when there is difficulty breathing through the nose.

Chronic Pain:

• Chronic pain, a result of certain medical conditions, including arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, recurrent headaches, and lumbago, can hinder an individual from falling asleep and can even awaken one afterwards. Disorders of the sleep pattern, like fibromyalgia, may aggravate chronic pain.

Sleep Disorders Diagnosis

Sleep disorders are diagnosed through consultation with sleep specialists who listen to the concerns and create a personalized plan. An exam is conducted by the specialist, and the sufferer may be asked to keep a sleep log. The following are the tests that might be suggested in order to diagnose the sleep disorders:

• Actigraphy: This is a wrist-worn monitor that can measure movement of the arm and legs during sleep. It tracks the sleep-wake cycles and helps determine how well treatment for sleep disorders is being implemented.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): This test evaluates electrical activity in the brain for the purpose of identifying potential problems related to this activity. This is a component of polysomnography.
• Sleep study: Brain wave recording, oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing rate, and eye and leg movements are done in either a hospital or a sleep center.
• Home sleep apnea test: Record breathing rate, airflow, oxygen level, heart rate, and blood vessel tone.
• Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT): Measures daytime sleepiness, and you take 4-5 naps that are taken two hours apart.
• Maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT): Measure daytime alertness, and you take 4-5 naps, each two hours apart.
• Upper airway nerve stimulation therapy evaluation: A group of tests to help determine if a surgically implanted device is an appropriate intervention for obstructive sleep apnea.
• Overnight oximetry test: An overnight measurement of heart rate and oxygen levels throughout the night, used as an indicator of potential dips in oxygen levels during sleep.

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Sleep Disorders Treatment

The treatment for sleep disorders is not only defined by the type but also individual causes. This is because most of them usually comprise treatment of some sort and a major change in the way a person lives. Sleep disorder treatment generally includes a combination of non-medical and medical treatment.

Non-Medical Treatment:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-1) is a treatment method that aims to replace negative thoughts and beliefs about sleep with positive ones, thereby improving sleep quality. It also educates the patient on how to change sleep habits that keep them awake. Video CBT sessions can be helpful, as well as face-to-face CBT sessions. CBT includes the following approaches, such as

• Sleep restriction therapy (SRT): SRT restricts time in bed. This, therefore, increases sleep drive.
• Stimulus control therapy: This helps to modify sleep patterns so that the patients will not have a hard time falling asleep. Patients should not go to bed unless they feel sleepy. Moreover, the bed should only be used for sleep. Thus, it must not be used for watching TV or reading books.
• Relaxation therapy: Relaxation techniques can be applied before sleep. These kinds of relaxation techniques include meditation and breathing exercises.
• Sleep hygiene : This is a compilation of education in lifestyle and environmental factors that may interfere with sleep. Such areas include normal sleep education, avoidance of substance use, regular exercise, bedroom environment, sleep and wake times, and avoidance of daytime naps. The practice of sleep hygiene education itself is less effective than CBT-I in individuals with poor sleep or insomnia.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy: This is the most common therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP machine is worn by a patient with obstructive sleep apnea only while asleep. This device is made up of a hose that connects to a mask. The mask is fitted over the mouth or the nose of the patient. The device helps to push air into the patient’s airway at a certain pressure, which intrudes in the patient’s airway, hence preventing obstruction while the patient sleeps.

Medical Treatment: Treatment of sleep disorders may include drugs or pharmacological agents such as the following:

• Sleeping tablets
• Melatonin tablets
• Drugs for treating a cold or allergy
• Medications aimed at treating any existing condition
• CPAP machines/surgical procedures (most appropriate for sleep apnea)
• Oral appliance therapy in the form of a night guard (most often for bruxism)

When to Seek Help from a Doctor for Sleep Disorders?

Here are some signs you might need to see a doctor for your sleep disorder:

• Continued inability to sleep or staying asleep
• Extreme daytime sleepiness
• Loudest snore or most frequent gasping for air in the middle of the night
• Waking up so many times at night.
• Waking up tired
• Unable to concentrate or pay attention
• Feeling irritable or moody
• Daytime excessive sleepiness and impairment of your performances

If you are going through one or more of these symptoms, it is vital that you visit a doctor so you’ll be able to know the cause of the problem and also find alternative treatments.

Conclusion

The sleep disturbances are able to deteriorate the standard of life; however, their diagnosis and treatment allow for effective management of the disorders. In case a person has problems with his or her sleep, it is necessary to see the doctor as soon as possible. By addressing the sleep issues, one can improve the overall health, well-being, and productivity.

Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad provides comprehensive sleep disorders care, with a team of specialists addressing insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome. They use advanced diagnostic techniques and personalized treatment plans to help patients achieve restful sleep and improve their overall well-being.

Have any questions or concerns about your health? We’re here to help! Call us at +918929964241 for expert advice and support.

REFERENCES

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560720/
• https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/sleep-disorders-pdq